Sr. Bincy Thumpanathu CMC
READING : Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Colossians 3:12-17)
REFLECTION: St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians is a recognizable section in the Scripture with its themes and practical instructions. First, in verses 1-4 we are admonished to set our mind on things above, not on things on the earth and to seek fervently the heavenly ways. Second, verses 5-17 elaborate the meaning of this exhortation. Here, there is a pair of passages, one negatively focused (verses 5-11) and one positively oriented (verses 12-17). Chapter 3:5-11 contains two lists of five negative items that Christians are to shun. Then, in 3:12-17 there are a series of admonitions to put on virtues and qualities which govern the human relationships.
We are at the heart of Lenten journey. And the lists of positive items that St. Paul offers his readers to embrace are noteworthy: clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bear with each other and forgive one another; above all these things, put on love, which is the bond of perfection. Yes, beyond doubt, this is the Christian way of life: it is not haughtiness, it is not self-importance, it is not condemnation, it is not covetous, it is not resentful, it is not speaking ill of others. Rather, the Christian way is compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience. Here, St. Paul truly wants his readers to undress from the negative, divisive, disruptive things, and to cover oneself with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. The phrase ‘clothe yourselves’ involves a voluntary aspect. No one is forced to love, but to do so after the example of Christ. Christian faith is rooted in the acknowledgement that God is patient with all his children, even when they go astray.
Therefore, it is desirable to forbear one another at home, at workplace, in community, in neighbourhood etc. In fact, forgiveness is vital to our emotional health and spiritual survival. Also worthy of note is the instruction “be thankful” in verse 3:17. Gratitude is transformative. The differences that are truly acknowledged and appreciated and gratitude towards everyone, build harmonious relationships. Thankfulness indeed, transforms the individual’s viewpoints and internal life.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, you instruct us to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. You often remind us to forgive as you have forgiven us. Yet we are so contentious. We take offense easily and are quick to lash out in return. We hold grudges. Lord, transform our hearts to be like yours. We desire to love people the way that you did. Grant us the grace to forbear others, to forgive, and to be merciful as you are merciful with us. Make our hearts more compassionate towards others.
CONTEMPLATION: Sit peacefully and let your soul slowly be calmed. Experience the company of the Lord within and around you. Hear the tender voice of the Lord who gently invites you to examine your life: (1) how do I treat people, examine the quality of my relationships with others (2) how is my behavior when certain things/people really irritate me? (3) do I judge and condemn others? Take few moments to reflect, how Christ forgave us and that should make us much more generous with forgiveness.
ACTION: – welcome troubles, dilemmas and disturbances without any grudge
– accept delays and difficulties without getting angry
– learn the gentleness in behavior
